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Orient yourself with health

For more than 5,000 years, the Chinese have turned to herbs as medicine. Only recently has the Western world embraced these age-old remedies.

After completing her degree in Oriental Medicine at Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Austin, Acadiana native Lori Scott set up shop in Abbeville a decade ago, first focusing on acupuncture, gradually integrating Chinese dry herbs and other traditional Oriental techniques and tinctures.

"Most women by the age of 30 to 35 and men by the age of 40 could benefit from Chinese medical therapy," Scott said. "By that stage of life, a person's qi — the Chinese word for energy force — begins to change. We become run down, stressed out, worn out from the trials and tribulations of daily life."

Scott explained that women tend to hit this energy plateau earlier than men because of childbirth and the demands of parenting. As an aside, she mentioned that quite a few clients see her for fertility concerns.

Regardless of the client, however, whether male or female, the first step in the process is determining the root of each individual's issues. Only then, Scott said, can she determine the right course of treatment, usually including acupuncture and only sometimes involving herbal treatment.

"What the public needs to realize is that even though they are natural, herbs are very powerful," cautioned Scott. "Just as they can be helpful, they also can be harmful. You really have to be educated on how these herbs affect the body."

For this reason, Scott said it's best to consult a professional prior to ingesting raw herbs, or they risk reaching an undesirable result.

"I was born with a spinal deformity and was referred to Lori by a chiropractor," related Gueydan resident Pat Heard. "I've had back pain all my life. Doctors have recommended surgery, but I live an active lifestyle — riding Harleys and mountain biking — and fusing discs together just doesn't appeal to me.

"While I used to experience a pain level of six or seven on a scale of ten, Lori got me down to a zero or one."

The practice of Lori Scott, MSOM, Dipl. Ac., is located at 221 N. Lewis St., New Iberia. Also practicing there are Brian Bernard, HHP, LMT, who specializes in massage, cupping and Tai Chi Chuan, and Lauren Rouly, LMT, offering massage and bodywork. Call 337-374-3212 or visit www.JoyBrew.com to learn more.

Save the Date: July 11

Essential oils are all the rage these days. Learn safe and effective ways to use them at Lori Scott's lecture "The Heart of Essential Oils: Exploring Essential Oils Within the Traditional Concepts of Qi and Shen." The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July 11. Space is limited, so please call 337-374-3212 to reserve your spot.